What an alarming news for Predators: He has just resigned

Phil Tomasino, a forward, has been assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals, according to an announcement made by the Nashville Predators today.

Although this roster change may not come as a surprise, many Nashville Predators supporters will be alarmed by the choice. Despite being in his third NHL season, the 22-year-old native of Ontario has had a rather unusual professional career trajectory with the Predators.

Under head coach John Hynes, Tomasino played 76 games in 2021–2022, averaging 11:32 minutes per game. However, after training camp in 2022–2023, Tomasino was sent to Milwaukee and didn’t rejoin the Predators until the middle of February. It appeared that Tomasino would have another opportunity to be a reliable member of the team when it was revealed that the team would be undergoing a roster reset under General Manager Barry Trotz and would be concentrating on the development of young talent in the Predators’ pipeline under new head coach Andrew Brunette. For Tomasino, it has continued to be a roller coaster. So far this season, Tomasino has missed eleven of the team’s fifty-two games due to injury.
Following Monday’s practice, head coach Andrew Brunette talked about the decision to reassign Tomasino.

Brunette stated, “We’re just looking for that consistency in his game.” “And certain nights, when he’s not prepared to play, it’s difficult to locate his game. He performs for eight or nine minutes. Every night, [He’ll] go down and play for 20 minutes.”

“I don’t want him to lose too much confidence up here.”

Tomasino, like several of Nashville’s young players, has been streaky at times when it comes to offensive production. His play away from the puck has been a concern for Brunette, too. Consistency in Tomasino’s 200 foot game is something Brunette hopes will improve with more ice time in Milwaukee.

Despite the decision to give him some time in the AHL, Brunette was positive about Tomasino’s season and his future.

“Im proud of how much he’s grown,” Brunette said. “He’s a much better player than the start of the year when we had him. So this is just another part of being a pro. Go down and play and get rewarded.”

“We’re in a crunch time right now,” Brunette said. “Get his game right, we can use him. When he comes back, he’ll be ready.”